Baku Hosts Algerian U-15 Squad for FIFA Youth Tournament

Algeria's U15 national football team, known as the “young Fennecs,” has arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival. The delegation reached the capital on Thursday, October 22, taking residence at the Hovsan Sports Complex, which will host the initial round of matches. This marks a significant international opportunity for the young Algerian athletes to compete on a global platform.

The team is set to engage in a demanding schedule, playing five matches over three days from October 24 to 26. Their first-round opponents include Argentina, Suriname, Chinese Taipei, Malawi, and Oman. Coached by Karim Ziani, with Hocine Metref serving as his assistant, the Algerian squad comprises 14 players, all drawn from the national championship, including two goalkeepers. The competition features a unique 8-on-8 format with two 20-minute halves.

The primary objective for the young Algerian team, often referred to as the “young Verts,” is to gain valuable international experience and allow their emerging talents to make a significant impression. The tournament structure is designed to provide extensive playing time, with an initial group qualification phase leading to a distribution across six competition levels, from A to F, ensuring multiple matches for every participating team.